To understand what motivates students to enrol in an MBA program, it is important to consider the perceived value of completing this degree. Research has focused on the career impact of the MBA and on specific skills acquired in the process of earning the degree. Some research has reported specific age and experience effects on the value of the MBA in skill acquisition and in career progression. For example, in one study, more promising career switching opportunities held greater importance for a younger (under 35) sample segment, while those with 8 or more years of work experience placed greater importance on improving analytical ability (Thompson & Gui, 2000).
Literature Review
In our review of the literature, we focus first on the value graduates derive from holding the MBA degree. Identification of these benefits should lead to inferences on the reasons for choosing the degree. But since our premise is that online programs encourage the participation of more experienced students, we believe that understanding the motives for choosing a specific program is also important. Our review of the literature is organized to highlight these two points: the value of the MBA, and the motives for choosing a particular type of MBA program.
To understand what motivates students to enrol in an MBA program, it is important to consider the perceived value of completing this degree. Research has focused on the career impact of the MBA and on specific skills acquired in the process of earning the degree. Some research has reported specific age and experience effects on the value of the MBA in skill acquisition and in career progression. For example, in one study, more promising career switching opportunities held greater importance for a younger (under 35) sample segment, while those with 8 or more years of work experience placed greater importance on improving analytical ability (Thompson & Gui, 2000).
To understand what motivates students to enrol in an MBA program, it is important to consider the perceived value of completing this degree. Research has focused on the career impact of the MBA and on specific skills acquired in the process of earning the degree. Some research has reported specific age and experience effects on the value of the MBA in skill acquisition and in career progression. For example, in one study, more promising career switching opportunities held greater importance for a younger (under 35) sample segment, while those with 8 or more years of work experience placed greater importance on improving analytical ability (Thompson & Gui, 2000).
